Where does Qatar sit in the global racing scene? Where might it sit a decade from now? The first question is easier to answer than the second.

Having just returned from a five-day trip to the country it is clear that the future of racing is assured. The racing product there is very different to many other places, with huge prizes to be won by the mainly locally owned runners. There were a handful of overseas challengers for the thoroughbred races but none of significance. It was a different story for the Arabian races.

Racing in Qatar is bound to be compared with Dubai, given their respective geographical locations. We know how the product has been fostered and developed in Dubai under the patronage and direction of Sheikh Mohammed and his brothers. World Cup night at the end of March is firmly established among the greatest nights of international racing. This has happened in a relatively short period of time.

Could Qatar reach such dazzling heights? There is no doubt that it will be supported with the financial resources of the royal family to ensure that it continues on an upward trajectory. Where that curve takes it ultimately is anyone’s guess.

Many who were in Doha this week are looking to be a part of that growth curve. It is also clear that the Qataris need to be further assisted to develop racing in their homeland and this should be encouraged too. The standard of their racing is improving but it is still in its infancy and there is room to make it appeal to a wider audience.

With less than 400 horses in training and dominance by a small number of people it still has a road to travel. However, it has been the investment and commitment of those few that has transformed the racing scene in Qatar. For that they deserve commendation.

Four decades ago it would have seemed unimaginable that Qatar would have been putting on a show like this week.